Children's Reading Material

This past weekend our church had a family retreat/camp out. While the adults were learning and having discussion time, I was asked, along with some teen helpers, to watch the younger children and have some discussion time with them. Overall we all had a good time together. (they got restless by the end of the day...not that I blame them... :-) ) During our time together we went over some children's tracts, watched a cartoon movie biography on Jim Elliot, and read some books. As a result, I thought I'd briefly review/summarize the books we read. The kids seemed to enjoy them, and the four I will be writing about are all geared toward the younger reading levels. Here they are!

The True Princess--Angela Hunt
The book has colorful illustrations making it very appealing for kids. Along with other places it is available through Lamplighter Publishing. The story is about a princess and her father the King. In the book, the King has to go on a journey, and he leaves his young daughter behind with her nurse--Nana. The princess up to this point, has not had to do any work and is used to people taking care of her. While the King is gone, Nana and the princess go into hiding. They go into disguise and work in a bakery. Through the course of the story, the princess must learn to work/bake, dress herself, sing to herself, and laugh at herself. The King finally returns, and by this time, several girls in the kingdom have "dressed up" as the princess, hoping the King will think that one of them is his daughter. The "true princess" remains in the background while the other girls talk to the King. The King asks them if they will do some work, or tell a joke, or sing for him, the girls say that they can't because "a true princess" has someone to do those things for her. Finally, the "real princess" comes forward and does the things the King asked, and the King welcomes back his daughter! It's a fun story and at the end asks the readers what God would have us to do for him. (serving others etc.)

Trusty: Tried and True--Mark and Deborah Hamby
The authors, are the ones who own the Lamplighter Publishing Company. This is another colorful story book written for kids. The story is about how a train gets stuck, and needs help getting pulled up a hill. Several other trains come that could help, but they don't want to. Finally, Trusty, the smallest train comes, and helps them! It's a great story and again teaches kids the importance of helping others.

Two other books we read were "They Didn't Use Their Heads" and "If Everybody Did" by JoAnn Stover. These books have black and white illustrations and are available through Bob Jones University. Again they are written for the young readers, and are great teaching tools. The kids really enjoyed the humor in these books. They Didn't Use Their Heads goes through a series of events about how people didn't use their heads and got hurt.
If Everybody Did teaches what happens if everybody did the exact same thing (example--jumping in the mud, slamming the door) and the consequences of it.

All four of these books are great for children and if you're looking for quality reading material I'd recommend them! Have a great day!

Poll Results---9/18/08--9/29/08 (approximately)

Hi! The last couple of poll results I had up are in! I asked the same question for several days, it was:
"After "Stepping Heavenward" what book would you like to see reviewed next?"

Choices were:

Continue with the Oliver Optic Series
Lamplighter Book
A biography
No Prefrence
Something else (email with a suggestion)

The first week results were:

Continue with the Oliver Optic Series................0 votes (0%)

Lamplighter Book..................................................0 votes (0%)

A biography............................................................1 vote (50%)

No Prefrence..........................................................0 votes (0%)

Something else (email with a suggestion)..........1 vote (50%)

The second week results were:

Continue with the Oliver Optic Series.................0 votes (0%)

Lamplighter Book.................................................2 votes (50%)

A biography...........................................................0 votes (0%)

No Prefrence........................................................1 vote (25%)

Something else (email with a suggestion).........1 vote (25%)

Thank you all for your vote! Feel free to email me book suggestions any time!

Spurgeon on books...

Hello! Today I thought I'd just quote Spurgeon regarding books. :-) Recently we listened to some cd's from a conference Phil Johnson gave on Spurgeon. They were really good, listen to them if you get a chance sometime! I got these quotes from this website: http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/0542.htm
Here is a portion of the sermon Suprgeon gave on November 29th, 1863.

II. We will LOOK AT HIS BOOKS. We do not know what the books were about, and we can only form some guess as to what the parchments were. Paul had a few books which were left, perhaps wrapped up in the cloak, and Timothy was to be careful to bring them. Even an apostle must read. Some of our very ultra Calvinistic brethren think that a minister who reads books and studies his sermon must be a very deplorable specimen of a preacher. A man who comes up into the pulpit, professes to take his text on the spot, and talks any quantity of nonsense, is the idol of many. If he will speak without premeditation, or pretend to do so, and never produce what they call a dish of dead men's brains—oh! that is the preacher. How rebuked are they by the apostle!

He is inspired, and yet he wants books! He has been preaching at least for thirty years, and yet he wants books! He had seen the Lord, and yet he wants books! He had had a wider experience than most men, and yet he wants books! He had been caught up into the third heaven, and had heard things which it was unlawful for a men to utter, yet he wants books! He had written the major part of the New Testament, and yet he wants books!

The apostle says to Timothy and so he says to every preacher, "Give thyself unto reading." The man who never reads will never be read; he who never quotes will never be quoted. He who will not use the thoughts of other men's brains, proves that he has no brains of his own. Brethren, what is true of ministers is true of all our people. You need to read.

Renounce as much as you will all light literature, but study as much as possible sound theological works, especially the Puritanic writers, and expositions of the Bible. We are quite persuaded that the very best way for you to be spending your leisure, is to be either reading or praying. You may get much instruction from books which afterwards you may use as a true weapon in your Lord and Master's service. Paul cries, "Bring the books"—join in the cry.

Our second remark is, that the apostle is not ashamed to confess that he does read. He is writing to his young son Timothy. Now, some old preachers never like to say a thing which will let the young ones into their secrets. They suppose they must put on a very dignified air, and make a mystery of their sermonizing; but all this is alien from the spirit of truthfulness. Paul wants books, and is not ashamed to tell Timothy that he does; and Timothy may go and tell Tychicus and Titus if he likes—Paul does not care.Paul herein is a picture of industry. He is in prison; he cannot preach: what will he do? As he cannot preach, he will read.

As we read of the fishermen of old and their boats. The fishermen were gone out of them. What were they doing? Mending their nets. So if providence has laid you upon a sick bed, and you cannot teach your class—if you cannot be working for God in public, mend your nets by reading. If one occupation is taken from you, take another, and let the books of the apostle read you a lesson of industry.He says, "Especially the parchments." I think the books were Latin and Greek works, but that the parchments were Oriental; and possibly they were the parchments of Holy Scripture; or as likely, they were his own parchments, on which were written the originals of his letters which stand in our Bible as the Epistles to the Ephesians, the Philippians, the Colossians, and so on. Now, it must be "Especially the parchments" with all our reading; let it be especially the Bible.

Do you attach no weight to this advice? This advice is more needed in England now than almost at any other time, for the number of persons who read the Bible, I believe, is becoming smaller every day. Persons read the views of their denominations as set forth in the periodicals; they read the views of their leader as set forth in his sermons or his works, but the Book, the good old Book, the divine fountain-head from which all revelation wells up—this is too often left. You may go to human puddles, until you forsake the clear crystal stream which flows from the throne of God. Read the books, by all manner of means, but especially the parchments. Search human literature, if you will, but especially stand fast by that Book which is infallible, the revelation of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Happy Anniversary!

Just wanted to post a quick note and let you know that my parents are celebrating 24 years of marriage today! (Dad is working today, so they will probably do something special later this week :-) ) One of these days maybe I will write more about my parents and how they met, until then...

Happy Anniversary Dad & Mom!!

The White Dove--Christoph Von Schmid

Hello! My next book being reviewed will be a Lamplighter book. As a reminder, Lamplighter is a company that republishes old books. This story is about a knight and his family and is set in Germany.

Title: The White Dove
Author: Christoph Von Schmid
Published: Originally printed in 1841 and re-printed by Lamplighter in 1999.

Background Information: Lamplighter has republished many of Christoph Von Schmid's works, most notably would be "The Basket of Flowers." This is another quick and easy read book, has just under 80 pages. The Lamplighter website recommends this book for girls and boys ages 6-11. However, as with all of their books, they are great for any age! Also, as a reminder, it was written awhile ago, and so you do have to get used to the "old fashioned" flavor of it! :-)

The White Dove...

The Knight's name is Theobald, his wife is the Countess Othilia, and they have an eight year old daughter named Agnes. They all live in the castle of Falkenbourg. The book begins by introducing the characters and the various kind things they do for others.

One day, Agnes and her mother are outside and they hear a noise that startles them, Agnes is afraid to look up and see what it is. Her mother assures her, and they realize it is a dove. Her mother then suggests that they roast it for dinner. Agnes is horrified at the thought and says that the bird has put itself in their protection and that they shouldn't harm it. Her mother is pleased with her response and tells her that she is right and that she was testing her. Agnes is allowed to keep the dove as a pet, eventually it is tamed, and can the dove does not have to be kept in a cage.

The dove soon becomes an excellent object lesson for the Countess Othilia to teach her daughter lessons. When the dove wakes Agnes up early, her mother points out the importance of rising early to her, when the dove obeys Agnes, her mother notes how Agnes must always be prompt to obey her, when Agnes notes how clean the dove is, her mother uses that to emphasise the importance of Agnes keeping tidy. Another lesson, Agnes notes how grateful the dove is for the food she gives it, her mother points out that in turn, Agnes must always be grateful to God for His blessings.

One day a widow of a knight, Rosalind and her child Emma, come to Falkenbourg to seek the assistance of Knight Theobald. Rosalind tells how two other neighboring knights are coveting riches and are trying to rob her. When she finishes explaining the issues to Knight Theobald, he is very silent thinking on the matter. Agnes, misunderstanding his silence begs her father to help them, and reminds him of what her mother told her when they first saw the dove. She says:

"My dear father, have pity upon them. See! when my dove, flying from the talons of a bird of prey, came and put itself under my protection, my mother said to me: 'We must not drive away the unhappy who come to put themselves under our protection,' and she rejoiced on seeing m mercy towards the poor little creature. And this child and her mother, do not they deserve still more compassion and pity than a dove? Save them from the clutches of these worthless knights." (p 21)

Her father being moved, tells her that with God's help he will assist them, and explains that his silence was not from hesitation, but trying to determine the best way to help them. Knight Theobald confronts the "worthless knights" and gives them warnings to leave Rosalind alone, or he shall go to war against them. Knight Theobald returns and tells Rosalind and Emma that they can now safely return home. Before they leave, Agnes presents Emma her dove as a gift. At first Emma insists she should not be given the dove, but Agnes persists and Emma happily takes the dove home.

Agnes is a little sad after parting with her dove, and wonders if she should have given Emma something else. Her mother encourages her act and says: "The greatest and most noble gifts are those that come from a pure and sacrificial heart. It is always better to give than to receive my child. Though it is not always easy, it is always best." (p 26)

Rosalind and Emma return home, and after awhile some "pilgrims" come to visit them. (note to readers: when they say pilgrims, they do not mean our traditional American view of pilgrims. It's a little hard to explain, but it is more like someone who was visiting the Holy Land and they wear plain clothes etc. Hope that helps some!) These pilgrims tell Rosalind and Emma of their travels, and then before they leave ask for directions to Falkenbourg to see Knight Theobald and family. Rosalind tells them how to get there and sends a servant boy Linhard with them.

As these two pilgrims and Linhard travel, the pilgrims begin speaking in Italian. (they do not know that Linhard was originally from Italy and knew what they were saying) Linhard learns that these "pilgrims" are actually robbers in disguise and plan to kill and steal from the Knight Theobald and his family! Linhard is alarmed, yet pretends he does not know what they are saying, he also learns that they are going to kill him too when they get near a cliff. Linhard when they get to the bridge near the cliff pretends fright and insists that he return back. The robbers reluctantly agree, and after Linhard leaves, they tear the bridge down so no one can get to them. Linhard runs back to tell Rosalind the news.

Rosalind is distraught with the news, encourages her townspeople to help Knight Theobald and warn them. However, it is getting late, and they realize no one can get there in time. Emma remembers the dove, and they come up with the idea to attach a note to the dove and have it fly back to tell Theobald and the family.

This works! Agnes gets the note and her father immediately sets about to trap the "pilgrims" when they come. The robbers are shocked to find out that Theobald know everything, one robber is mostly angry, and the other bemoans about how he listened to him about how they could easily get rich. This robber is very repentant at having listened to him and knows that God will be punishing him. More traps are set for additional robbers who were going to assist the two traveling "pilgrims."

The story ends cheerfully, Rosalind and Emma come to Falkenbourg to celebrate with Theobald and family and they begin "toasting" Emma, and then through that course, realize that they should also toast Linhard, Emma's father who took Linhard in, and at the end they all agree that ultimately it is God who worked out the whole situation!
Knight Theobald also tells Linhard that he will take him in as a page, and Linhard encourages them to be a little kinder to the repentant robber, they all agree.

Othilia presents Emma with an olive branch in gold, that she has always used for her hair, and tells Emma "Let this olive branch, the glorious symbol of our safety, be to you, my dear Emma a feeble testimonial of our gratitude" (p 71).

The book ends with Othilia quoting these lines:

"Child, put thou in God above,
All thy faith and all they love.
Raise His temple in they heart;
From His Worship ne'rer depart.
Should the hour of danger lower,
Fear not then its threat'ning power.
Gathering tempests do not dread;
He shall always guard thy head.
Child, put thou in God above,
All thy faith, as in the dove."

Hope you enjoyed this review! It's a great story and a good teaching tool for children to realize God's Sovereignty and how He is involved with even the smallest things, like a dove, in our lives!

~Biography~C.S. Lewis--Catherine Swift

On my last poll, I asked "what book would you like to see reviewed next?" I had 2 votes. :-) One was something else--that person suggested something more familiar than what I've previously been writing on. The second vote was for a biography. So in a sort of compromise I've decided to review a biography on C.S. Lewis. Eventually, I hope to review the Chronicles of Narnia series--so this is sort of a preview of more to come on C.S. Lewis. :-)

Title: C.S. Lewis (in the Men of Faith Series)

Author: Catherine Swift

Published: 1989 by Bethany House Publishers

Background Information: This series "Men of Faith" also has another series called "Women of Faith." Catherine Swift, the author, has also written some other biographies in these two series. Mom bought a dozen or so of these biographies several years ago, for educational purposes. :-) The books in the series are fairly small and this particular copy has only 12 chapters with 127 pages, making them a quick and easy read.
I have to admit, I don't usually read biographies, it's not that I don't like them, I just don't find ones that interest me very much. However, I do enjoy this series of biographies a lot. (be sure to pass on good biography titles to me though--I'm always open for new book ideas! :-) )
The books are good for adults and teens/youth.

Biography on C.S. Lewis...

On November 28, 1898, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, a future Christian apologist, scholar, philosopher, and writer was born--Clive Staples Lewis. His parents were Albert and Flora and he had a brother, Warren, who was three and a half years older than himself. Clive--preferred to be called Jacksie, although, after his mother died, when he was 9 years old, he wanted to be called Jack instead. (if I had a name like Clive...I'd want to be called something else too! :-) ) The Lewis's were a middle class family and the book describes Jack's parents as: "Flora was a loving, serene, yet cheerful woman. On the other hand, Albert was extremely pessimistic, irritable, and prone to melodramatic outbursts." (p 8).

In the book we learn about how "Jack" loved Beatrix Potter stories, the various schools he attended and the trials he had there, his close relationship with his brother, (Warren and C.S. were very close through their whole lives, and C.S. was devastated when Warren had to go away to boarding school at the age of 10.) and his, what I'd call "up and down" relationship with his father. Jack also was influenced by his nurse as a child, Lizzie Endicott, who told stories of Irish folklore and how Jack and his brother loved to "hear stories of leprechauns, and giants, of mythical beasts and gallant knights rescuing damsels in distress." (p. 9) Jack was also interested in Norse legends and other strange things as he grew older.

We also learn about how Jack was a large and clumsy child--characteristics that continued into adulthood. As a result of this, he didn't like the typical boyish sports and felt that he was only capable of writing and drawing. Jack and Warren also served in WWI, during which, Jack was injured and returned home.

What I like best about the book though, is how C.S. comes to Christ. He did not get much religious education as a child, and as he grew older, he became more interested in the Norse legends and other things, and proclaimed himself to be an atheist. He avoided Christians as much as he could, even though he kept running into them at school, on the battlefield, or in the books he liked to read. He scoffed at "those fools who rely on religion for moral support" (p 92) and when he kept running into more Christians he thought--"Was there no escape from the wretched faith?" (p 102) Once when talking with an atheist friend, the friend said--"It's a strange thing, this story about God. A very strange thing! You could almost believe what the Gospels say really did happen. Very strange, indeed!" (p 102)

Around 1928 his father died, and several weeks later he "became aware that his great battle was lost." (p 108) "At the age of thirty-one, after years of struggle against "the power" the dreaded "God" with his unavoidable net had finally closed in on him" (p 109).

After this, he began writing, and speaking on Christianity--he specifically wanted to help the atheists, skeptics, etc. to find the Lord.

My favorite chapter in the book, is chapter 11 entitled--"Who is Aslan?" In this chapter we first learn of his beginnings for the idea of the Narnia series. During WWII, Jack had three children come from London to stay at his rural home, to avoid the bombings. While they were there, they constantly asked about what they could do. As a result, he began thinking again about writing a children's story involving animals. He had ideas in the past, but the only thing he had come up with so far, was as the book describes: "So far, all he had was the image of a faun with an umbrella walking though a snowy wood." (p 114) Jack continued to think of what exactly the moral should be. The books says:

"Then, one day, quite unexpectedly he knew."
The wood was to be set in an imaginary country he called Narnia which could only be reached by passing through a--what? Ah, yes a wardrobe. One of the main characters would be like Jack as he once was, misguided confused, searching and critical of those who didn't share his beliefs." (p 115) "There would be the wicked Snow Queen, too, and--the story would ultimately lead its readers to the good Aslan. But who or what was Aslan?" (p 115)

Having three children in the house helped him as he continued to write--they helped to critique the story. :-) The "Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe" was printed in 1950 and even though it was very popular--it was almost 10 years later when he wrote another story in the Narnia books.

Once he had mentioned the idea of the faun and the umbrella, to a college friend, John Tolkien (author of the Lord of the Rings series) and Tolkien's response was: "he thought it was a recipe for disaster. He hated everything about it to the point where he asked a mutual friend, "Does Jack know what he's talking about--a faun with an umbrella?" (p 114) (I love that! :-) )

Jack married a woman by the name of Joy Helen Gresham, she had been previously married and had two sons. Their story is an interesting one. :-) However, I won't go into many details here. They were married for a fairly short amount of time, Joy battled cancer, and although it went into remission, it came back and they were only married for about 4 years.

C.S. Lewis died, on November 22, 1963, six days before his 65 birthday. His autobiography is called "Surprised by Joy."

C.S. Lewis has written a variety of books, and I have to admit, the only ones I've actually read are the Chronicles of Narnia series. :-) I'd love to hear about some of the other books he's written if you read them, or your favorite C.S. Lewis quote, or any other good biographies about him. Thanks for reading and have a great day!

Discussion Questions on Stepping Heavenward

Hi again! I wanted to get some feedback from those of you who have read "Stepping Heavenward." Since it is one of my favorite books, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!
Do you have a favorite part or quote in the book?
What do you like or dislike about the book?
Do you disagree with anything in there?
Any other thoughts?
I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Stepping Heavenward--Elizabeth Prentiss Part 4

Title: Stepping Heavenward
Author: Elizabeth Prentiss
Published: Originally published: in 1869. It has been republished several times over the years. The particular book I'm reviewing is a paperback that was published in 2001 by Solid Ground Christian Books. (I know that Lamplighter has also published Stepping Heavenward in a hardback book)
Background Information: See previous posts entitled "Stepping Heavenward"

In an attempt to shorten these posts and get on to another book, I am just going to briefly summarize the rest of the story. (also, this way I can attempt not to spoil the entire book for you if you haven't read it! :-) ) Hopefully I've given you enough detail about the story to make you want to read it yourself! :-)

Katy takes the Sunday School class and also ends up going with her mother to visit the poor. Later Katy goes to visit her Aunt in New York. Here she meets her future husband. (a Dr. Ernest Elliot) Katy initially doesn't like him and tells her Aunt that she would never marry a doctor, and that he is too serious and old! :-) Her Aunt informs her that he is only 7 to 8 years older than herself and that "you were made for each other. He would tone you down and keep you straight, and you would stimulate him and keep him awake" (p 76). Katy responds by saying she doesn't want to be toned down or kept straight. :-)

After a time, and some misunderstandings, Katy does come to love the doctor and they marry. The rest of the story continues on with her married life. The Doctor and Katy go through some of the normal and not so normal trials of married life. Shortly after their marriage the Doctor's mother dies, his family has lost some money, and as a results his father and older sister come to live with Katy and the Doctor.

This provides many trials for Katy, however, by the end she realizes how God used the entire situation for good. The Doctor and Katy have several children, and go through the pain of watching their oldest child die at a young age. (he dies just before his 6th birthday)

The story records how Katy grows in her spiritual life, how people minister to her and help her along the way, and how she helps others as well. (we also learn more about Amelia and Charley--who don't have an ideal marriage. Amelia becomes ill and dies young, leaving her husband with 3 girls. Charley's Uncle ends up taking care of the girls)

By the end of her journal, Katy is very ill and doesn't know how much longer she will live. Here are a few of the last line she writes in her journal.

"But I wish, oh, how earnestly, that whether I go or stay, I could inspire some lives with the joy that is now mine. For many years I have been rich in faith; rich in an unfaltering confidence that I was beloved of my God and Savior. But something was missing; I was always groping for a mysterious grace the lack of which made me often sorrowful in the very midst of my most sacred joy, imperfect when I most longed for perfection. It was that personal love of Christ of which my precious mother so often spoke to me, which she often urged me to seek upon my knees. If I had known then, as I know now, what this priceless treasure could be to a sinful human soul, I would have sold all that I had to buy the field in which it lay hidden. But not till I was shut up to prayer and to the study of God's word by the loss of earthly joys, sickness destroying the flavor of them all, did I begin to penetrate the mystery that is learned under the cross. And wondrous as it is, how simple is this mystery! To love Christ, and to know that I love Him - this is all!" (p 271)

This story is an excellent one and ultimately shows how God worked in one woman's life to bring her from an unhappy girl to a woman who loved Christ. It's a great story and definitely one that I'd consider a "classic."

See the next post for some discussion questions! Have a great day!

Stepping Heavenward--Elizabeth Prentiss Part 3

Here is the chapter 4 review!

Title: Stepping Heavenward
Author: Elizabeth Prentiss
Published: Originally published: in 1869. It has been republished several times over the years. The particular book I'm reviewing is a paperback that was published in 2001 by Solid Ground Christian Books. (I know that Lamplighter has also published Stepping Heavenward in a hardback book)
Background Information: See previous posts entitled "Stepping Heavenward"

Stepping Heavenward...

Shortly after Charley and Katy become engaged, Katy comes down with a serious cold. Charley is somewhat surprised with her tendency toward coughing and worries that she might be prone to consumption (consumption was very common back in those days and generally it was associated with coughing along with other nasty things that we won't get into here :-) ) Charley doesn't like to here Katy cough, because it reminds him of his mother who died of consumption. Katy gets worse and worries that she may die, Charley tells her he has to stay away until she gets better, Katy also wonders if they were married, if Charley would leave if she has a cough.

Katy soon comes to the conclusion that she must break off their engagement, so as to not have Charley "suffer" with her poor health. She comes to think of her self-sacrifice as "beautiful" and soon writes a note to tell Charley the engagement is off.

Charley writes a note back and thanks her for bringing the engagement to the end and tells her when watching his mother die he "vowed never to marry a consumptive woman" towards the end he writes; "I hope the consolations of religion will now be yours. Your notes, the lock of your hair, etc. I return with this. I will not reproach you for the pain you have cost me; I know it is not your fault that your health has become so frail" (p 35).

Katy is insulted by the reply and informs him in another note that "the scales have fallen from my eyes." Katy consulted with the doctors and they told her that the sickness is not "alarming" and she will soon recover. She tells him that she gave him the opportunity to break off the engagement not thinking he would take her up on it, but continue to support her. She ends by saying: "I thought I loved a man, and could lean on him when strength failed me. I know now that I loved a mere creature of my imagination" She returns his letters and ring and says "and find, if you can, a woman who will never be sick, never out of spirits, and who never will die. "

He replies saying--"Thank God it is not Kate Mortimer. I want an angel for my wife, not a vixen" (p 35).

Katy then tells her mother about the letters, the broken engagement, etc. Her mother says "God has heard my prayers! He is reserving better things for my precious child!"
The whole experience also has resulted in drawing Katy closer to God.

Later Amelia comes to visit Katy and reproaches her for breaking off the engagement before she consulted with the doctors. Katy attempt to make it clear that she is still glad it is off, since she knows Charley's true character. Amelia also tells Katy that Charley's uncle is going to make Charley his heir and Charley will become rich.

Less than a month after Katy and Charley's engagement is broken, Charley becomes engaged to Amelia. Katy is still upset by the news, however, she gets over it and finds herself wanting to find true happiness. Soon after the news of the engagement she goes to see her pastor, Dr. Cabot. Katy explains her frustrations to him, and he tells her that while everything she is explaining to him is true, that God loves her. Katy has trouble believing him that God does love her, he tells her to go home and say to herself: "I am a wayward foolish child. But He loves me! I have disobeyed and grieved Him ten thousand times over. But He loves me! I have lost faith in some of my dearest friends and am very desolate. But He loves me! I do not love Him, I am very angry with Him! But He loves me!" (p 39).

Katy goes home thinking of this and kneels down to pray. She writes: "all my wasted, childish, wicked life came and stared me in the face. I looked at it and said with tears of joy, "But He loves me!" Never in my life did I feel so rested, so quieted, so sorrowful, and yet so satisfied" (p 39).

The next several pages Katy writes about how her mother is glad that she finally has peace. She writes about more visits with Dr. Cabot and how he helps her. Dr. Cabot also tells Katy that she should try to talk to her mother about some of her concerns. Katy has a hard time explaining why she can't talk to her mother and says--"But we girls can't talk to our mothers about any of our sacred feelings, and we hate to have them talk to us." Dr. Cabot feels that something is wrong somewhere and says "A young girl's mother is her natural refuge in every perplexity." (p 42). He also encourages/reminds Katy that she is still a baby in Christ and encourages her to do things for God's glory.

Katy later discusses with him that she is troubled by the fact she doesn't know the exact moment when she became a "real Christian." He encourages her not to worry about the moment but says: "The question is not, do you remember, my child, when you entered this world, and how! It is simply this, are you now alive and an inhabitant thereof?" (p 42). (to clarify--Dr.Cabot is referring to the world of being a Christian)

Several more pages go on about how Katy is getting on in her "new" life. She still feels frustrated at times, and especially when her mother talks to her about her "disorderly" habits. Katy then goes again to see Dr. Cabot, but ends up talking to his wife instead. Katy tells her how she wants to do some really "good" for Christ, but can't think of how or what do. Mrs. Cabot encourages her to do her "daily duties" for Him, and that will make Him happy. Katy is surprised by this thought and asks "And do you really think that God notices such little things?" (p 47) Mrs. Cabot says:

"If there is any one truth I would gladly impress on the mind of a young Christian, it is just this, that God notices the most trivial act, accepts the poorest, most threadbare little service, listens to the coldest, feeblest petition, and gathers up with parental fondness all our fragmentary desires and attempts at good works. Oh, if we could only begin to conceive how He loves us, what different creatures we would be!" (p 47)

Katy goes home feeling "inspired by her enthusiasm" even though she isn't quite sure exactly what she means. Katy starts changing some of her habits, and her mother is surprised to see how nicely Katy is keeping things. Katy also muses that if God notices every little thing she does to please Him, that He must also notice every cross word we speak, every shrug of the shoulders, every ungracious look, and that they displease Him. And my list of such offenses is as long as my life!" (p 47).

Katy writes about how one day she feels cheerful and the next she writes how she is missing Amelia's friendship. Her mother encourages her and tells her that she has been living a long time for herself and that now she must live for others. She encourages Katy to take a Sunday School class and go with her to visit poor people. Katy is not very excited about the idea--she feels her time is fully occupied with books, music and drawing, and she hates a sickroom. :-) However, she decides that she will take a Sunday School.

More to follow later!

Stepping Heavenward--Elizabeth Prentiss Part 2

Chapters 2 and 3 are here for you to read. Eventually I will start summarizing more chapters in shorter amounts, however, for the first few chapters, I want to go into more detail. :-)

Title: Stepping Heavenward
Author: Elizabeth Prentiss Published:
Originally published: in 1869. It has been republished several times over the years. The particular book I'm reviewing is a paperback that was published in 2001 by Solid Ground Christian Books. (I know that Lamplighter has also published Stepping Heavenward in a hardback book)
Background Information: See first two posts entitled "Stepping Heavenward"

Stepping Heavenward...

In June, Katy writes about how her Pastor--Dr. Cabot preaches specifically to the young people. He talks to those who--knew they did not love God, those who knew they did love God, and those who did not know what to think. Dr. Cabot feels that most of his listeners were in the third category and were not sure if they did love their Master. Katy feels she is in this category and decides to go to a class he is starting on Saturday afternoons.

She goes to the meeting (Amelia also goes), the pastor is glad to see her and asks her a few questions. He uses the example of her mother to help her see if she loves God.
After some discussion on trying to help them see if they love God, Amelia says--"Couldn't we obey Him from fear?" The pastor says "Yes; and so you might obey your mother from fear, but only for a season. If you had no real love for her, you would gradually cease to dread her displeasure; whereas it is in the very nature of love to grow stronger and more influential every hour" (p. 15).

Amelia then says--"You mean, then, that if we want to know whether we love God, we must find out whether we are obeying Him?" (p 15). The pastor says that is exactly what he means and point them to John 14:21. He invites them to come back again if they have more questions.

Amelia and Katy leave and Amelia claims that she understood everything that Dr. Cabot says. Katy still feels like she is "in a fog" but is determined that she will pray more regularly.

Due to the summer months, Katy stops going to see Dr. Cabot and even avoids him when he comes to see her. Amelia later tells Katy that she had another talk with Dr. Cabot and has become a Christian...she claims that "it is ever so easy to be a Christian!" (p. 17). Katy is frustrated that it can be so easy for her and writes--"Well, if I am destined to be miserable, I must try to bear it."

In October, school begins again and Katy writes about her studies and other things. She has more discussions with her mother and writes--"Well, I shall be young but once, and while I am, do let me have a good time!" (p. 18). In late October, her father has an accident and as a result dies from it. This is a obviously a shock for the family and Katy becomes a very serious as a result. Katy gets frustrated with people offering "comfort" and observes how well her mother holds up during the entire process. Katy's mother also mentions to her at one point that she must control herself more and not allow such "passions of grief."
Her mother also mentions that she spends too much time "brooding over my sorrow."

Her mother tells her "What you need is such a living, personal love to Christ as shall make the thought of being where He is so delightful as to fill your mind with that single thought!" (p 22) Katy wonders what "personal love to Christ" is. By January, just before her 17th birthday the family is forced to move into a smaller house. Katy's mother hopes that doing this will be able to help get James (Katy's brother) through college.

By June Katy's school days are over and that she is pleased that she can "draw and practice to her heart's content" (p 25). Her mother points out that she will not find her heart's content in these activities.

Katy's friend Amelia is now good friends with Jenny Underhill--Katy find this somewhat trying but does find Jenny to be "quite nice." Jenny lends her books to her and Katy writes that "I wish I liked more solid reading; but I don't. And I wish I was not so fond of novels; but I am" (p 25). Jenny also shows Amelia and Katy a picture of her brother Charley. Jenny tells Katy that she would like her brother because "he is exactly like the heroes" Katy admires in books. Katy is doubtful and writes that "Very few like me" Amelia says that is because Katy says "just what you think." :-) Katy is eventually introduced to Charley, and to her surprise, he likes her! She soon finds herself liking him. Amelia, Jenny, and Katy soon decide to get together to discuss books...with Charley "directing" the readings. Katy forgets to tell her mother about it and when they are getting together to meet and Katy's house, her mother finds out--and isn't happy about the arrangement.

Katy and her mother have some discussions about Charley. Katy's mother is surprised at Katy's affection toward Charley--and that she has not been consulted at all. Katy's mother soon meets with Charley and they argue about the whole matter. Soon, Charley's uncle and sister try to convince Katy's mother that it would be good for Charley to "settle down."

Katy's mother agrees that Charley and Katy can have a year's probation. Charley is allowed to spend one evening with Katy every two weeks, and Katy's mother will always be present. They are not allowed to be seen together in public or correspond. After a year, if they still want to, they are allowed to be engaged. Charley finds these constraints rather annoying.

Katy's mother still tries to convince Katy that this is not the best young man for her and says that a marriage with him would not make her happy. Katy is shocked to think about marriage...she writes "I felt a chill creep over me. All I had wanted was to have Charley come here every day, take me out now and then, and care for nobody else" (p 31).

Her mother says "Yes, marriage!...For what is the meaning of an engagement if marriage is not to follow?" She goes on about how Charley cannot be good for her and says "You are captivated by what girls of your age call beauty, regular features, a fair complexion and soft eyes. His flatteries delude, and his professions of affection gratify you. You do not see that he is shallow, and conceited, and selfish and--" (p 31)

Katy interrupts and is upset with her mother's assessment. Finally, the year's probation is up--and despite her mother's warnings Katy and Charley are engaged.

Don't you find it interesting that even a book written in 1869, the character does not think about marriage while she is "courting" a young man? (Her mother has to point it out to her!) She primarily just wants to have fun and have his primary attention directed toward her. Doesn't this type of relationship sound familiar to us readers today?

More to follow in another post!

Stepping Heavenward--Elizabeth Prentiss Part 1

Hello all! At last I am getting to reviewing Stepping Heavenward! However, this is just chapter 1! I am going to have to find a way to stop writing to so much. :-)

Title: Stepping Heavenward

Author: Elizabeth Prentiss Published:

Originally published: in 1869. It has been republished several times over the years. The particular book I'm reviewing is a paperback that was published in 2001 by Solid Ground Christian Books. (I know that Lamplighter has also published Stepping Heavenward in a hardback book)

Background Information: See first post entitled "Stepping Heavenward"

Stepping Heavenward...

As mentioned in my first post, the book starts out with Katy saying "How dreadfully old I am getting! Sixteen!" Her first diary entry begins January 15, 1831. She discusses how she was going to get up early, but it seemed so cold and felt so warm in bed, she stayed in bed and "made ever so many good resolutions." She wants to begin her journal--she has done several in the past, but always got tired of them. She resolves to please her mother, be more self-denying and thinks how everyone will be surprised to see her improved. :-) However, she takes so long thinking about this, that it causes her to stay in bed a little too long, and she has to rush around to get ready for the day. She is then late for breakfast and prayers. Her mother makes a point of mentioning her tardiness, causing Katy to "flare up." In a hurry to get to school she insists that she doesn't need her overshoes (a bigger shoe/boot like thing that is worn over regular shoes to protect from the cold or wet weather)

Katy has a good day at school and gets a present from her friend Amelia. The gift is a hair net and Katy writes--"Nets are just coming into fashion." She is excited to get one because it will save her time and she won't have to comb her hair--just twist and squeeze and be done. :-)

When she gets home her mother has, what I would call a "discussion" with her. Her mother tells Katy of her faults and that her character will be "essentially formed" by the time she is 20. Katy's shocked to think she has only four years to improve herself. Her mother also says--"I hope you really are a child of God, and are trying to please Him. And it is my daily prayer that you may become a lovely, loving, useful woman." (p.3)
The discussion goes on longer and Katy leaves upset and angry with the whole conversation.

When she gets to her room she sees a note and a Bible from her mother, on her desk. In the note her mother asks her to read "A few verses, to carefully read and ponder, instead of a chapter or two for mere form's sake" (p.4). Katy then randomly opens her Bible up to Matthew 24:42--"Watch, therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming." Katy writes--"I felt a real repugnance to be always on the watch, thinking I might die at any moment. I am sure I am not fit to die. Besides I want to have a good time, with nothing to worry me. I hope I shall live ever so long. Perhaps in the course of forty or fifty years I may get tired of this world and want to leave it. And I hope by that time I shall be a great deal better than I am now, and fit to go to heaven" (p. 4).

Katy then writes a note to her mother and goes down to dinner, she spends the rest of her evening enjoyably and her friend Amelia is at dinner too.

Katy's writing in her diary is somewhat sporadic and several days later she writes and mentions a cold she has. (due to the fact that she didn't wear her overshoes...)
She is sick for awhile and says--"I do wonder if I shall ever really learn that Mother knows more than I do!" (p 6)

In February she writes how she feels out of sorts and that she prays to God to "make me better, and why doesn't He?" Later her health returns and she feels grateful that God has made her well, and wishes that she loved Him better.

Katy writes for awhile about a variety of things, her interests--which involve reading, drawing, singing, and playing the piano. She watches her mother help a neighbor with a sick child--sadly the child dies. She records arguments with her mother and brother.

In May she writes how she is going to practice self-denial by sharing her friend Amelia with a classmate. This goes over well with Amelia and Katy ends up getting jealous.
She has a discussion about it with her mother and her mother tries to make her see how God is willing to help her. Katy's mother also says--"I do wish I could make you love to pray, my darling child" (p 12). Katy records how she finds praying to be hard work and wishes there was an easier way of "growing good" she also wishes that God would send her a sweet temper, like he sent bread and meat to Elijah. She writes--"I don't believe Elijah had to kneel down and pray for them like I do" (p 12).

More to follow in another post!

Birthday Blog Continued...read poll results and learn more about me!

Hi! Thanks for all of you who voted on my random birthday poll questions! :-) Here are the results, I will give the correct answers and some background behind the questions after each poll results.

What birthday cake did I have every year between the ages of 13--20?

White/Vanilla..................................1 vote (20%)

Chocolate..........................................0 vote (0%)

Pumpkin............................................3 votes (60%)

How would I know? :-)......................1 vote (20%)

The correct answer is pumpkin cake! Congratulations to pumpkin voters you won! :-)
I do like white/vanilla cake and that was a good guess. Also, I am not a huge fan of chocolate...everyone must have known that! :-) The answer "how would I know" was put in for all the people who like to be difficult.... :-)
Now you may ask...so what birthday cakes have you had since then? Here are those answers:

20--White Chocolate Fudge Cake
21--Lane Cake (old fashioned Southern cake--technically a Christmas cake)
22--Double Coconut Cake
23--Carmel Apple Spice Cake

Next poll:

What unique gift(s) was I given in the past?

Trampoline..................................................0 votes (0%)

Fancy Letter Opener.................................1 vote (25%)

Fortune Cookies..........................................1 vote (25%)

Sewing machine..........................................3 votes (75%)

Pet Snake......................................................0 votes (0%)

This is a weird question...............................1 vote (25%)

The answers:
I was never given a trampoline or a pet snake...in fact, I don't like snakes at all!
I was given a fancy letter opener (on my 19th birthday I believe--by my kind, generous, and usually nice, younger sister :-) )
I have been give fortune cookies several times over the years on birthdays and Christmases--also given by my sister. (this will be explained in the next poll result)
I was given a sewing machine by Mom and Dad on my 18th birthday. :-) (I still have yet to actually learn the art of sewing though....my skills are minimal. :-) )
And yes it was a rather weird question. :-)

What birthday did the "Amanda is going to China" joke start?

15..............1 vote (20%)

16...............1 vote (20%)

17..............1 vote (20%)

18..............0 votes (0%)

19.............1 vote (20%)

20.............0 votes (0%)

21.............1 vote (20%)

22.............0 votes (0%)

Ironically, everyone was wrong on this poll! (including my own sister who started the whole thing! :-) )

The joke technically started the summer I was 17, but I didn't start getting the presents until my 18th birthday, so technically, 17 is sort of right. :-) But the real answer is 18.

Now you are probably wondering, what joke? :-)

The summer I was 17 our church had the teens/young people do VBS. I was in charge of reading the missionary story every night at the end of the program. :-) The missionaries featured were John and Betty Stam---who were missionaries (and martyrs) to China.
So....now the interesting part begins. My, ahem, as I as said, "usually nice" sister decided for some strange reason, to start this thing saying that "Amanda is going to be a missionary to China." All because I did a story on missionaries to China! As a result--I was and continue to be given "Chinese" presents on birthdays and Christmases. Examples--a hand guide to learning Chinese, Chinese cookbooks, fortune cookies, a Chinese necklace, fan, chop sticks, a tea set, a tea cozy--and that's just a few of the things! The joke, I thought was finally dying down, however, for my birthday this year I got "Chinese red tea cookies." (I still need to try them :-) )

For the record--I'm not fond of Chinese food and have no plans to become a missionary to China. :-)

As a result of this joke, my sister has managed to spread it around to some friends at our church, and they have also given me Chinese presents! In fact, Sarah reminded me, that one friend actually had a dream about me teaching English to Chinese kids at Jungle Jims! (local store)
Needless to say....any time we have a missionary at church from China or someone TALKS about China...those who know about the joke all look at me and smirk. :-)

So now you know!

Hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about me. :-)

Oh, and yes, I did have a very nice birthday yesterday! Thanks for all the birthday wishes!

Until my next post...

Amanda the old :-)

Poll Results---First week 9/4/08--9/11-08

Thanks to all who voted in my first poll! The results if you are interested are in, and here they are:

Question: What is your favorite type of book?

Fiction..................................................had 4 votes
Non-Fiction.........................................had 2 votes
Biographies..........................................had 1 vote
Comic Books :-)...................................had 2 votes

Look for more polls in the future! :-)

Birthday Blog!

Hello all! Today I turn the ripe old age of 23. :-) This may seem old to some of you, or you may be laughing your head off that I consider this old. :-)

I hope the birthday song on here doesn't offend you...I find it hilarious. :-) Don't worry, tomorrow I will be back to my usual songs and my music background template! :-) (This template is supposed to be a birthday one, and says "Happy Birthday" on it.)

Have a great day!

Amanda the old :-)

Stepping Heavenward--Elizabeth Prentiss

Hello! Since my birthday is tomorrow, I am going to do several posts on one of my absolute favorite books. :-) So, in answer to the question I asked in my first post, "what is one of your favorite Christian books" here is one of mine! :-)

Title: Stepping Heavenward

Author: Elizabeth Prentiss

Published: Originally published in 1869. It has been republished several times over the years. The particular book I'm reviewing is a paperback that was published in 2001 by Solid Ground Christian Books. (I know that Lamplighter has also published Stepping Heavenward in a hardback book)

Background Information: Elizabeth Prentiss (1818-1878) was the daughter of a revival preacher, Edward Payson. She wrote several other books, and is also known for her hymn--"More Love to Thee, O Christ." She married Rev. George L. Prentiss and they had several children. This book is classified as Christian Living/Fiction.

This particular copy has a forward by Elizabeth Elliott, it is also recommended by Joni Eareckson Tada. Elizabeth Elliot has this to say on the back of the book:

"This book is a treasure of both godly and womanly wisdom told with disarming candor and humility, yet revealing a deep heart's desire to know God. We desperately need such intimate accounts when the word commitment is so little understood and so seldom practiced. I recommend it to any woman who wants to walk with God, and to men also, who need to better understand the wives they live with."

Joni Eareckson Tada says: "This book will serve as a guide for the Christian woman who desires to leave behind the dull, dry indifference of spiritual mediocrity to discover the rich, deep joy of knowing Jesus more fully."

More Background: This book has been a favorite of mine for years. I think the first time I ran into a copy of it, I was at my Aunt Becky's house. :-) The particular copy I saw had a girl with brown hair and a long dress reading a book...this naturally appealed to me, it looked old fashioned, she was holding a book, and she had brown hair like me! :-) I began skimming it at the house, and I think that I ended up borrowing it. This was several years ago, possibly when I was in my early teens, or pre-teen. Since then, I have read the book multiple times, have my own copy, made sure my sister had her own copy, let friends borrow it over the years, and even given it to a friend for a birthday present! :-) I even quoted one of the first lines of the book in my diary when I turned sixteen. "How dreadfully old I am getting! Sixteen!" Needless to say...I love the book! :-) I thought it would be a great book to review around my birthday and I enjoyed re-reading it again this week in preparation for this review. I will just give a little more information about the book and then do more posts later about the book.

"Stepping Heavenward"

The book is about a young woman named Katherine Mortimer (who insists on being called Katy). It starts when she is sixteen and ends around when she is 45. The book is basically her journal, and written in a diary/journal kind of a way. It goes through her life, her youth as a passionate quick tempered girl, wanting to please God and her parents, but constantly frustrated with her own attempts at it. Once she comes to a saving knowledge of Christ, the journal is about "stepping heavenward" and her struggles in the Christian life. It goes on into her married life, her children, and more.

More to follow on another post...have a great day!

Through By Daylight--Oliver Optic Part 2

Here is part 2 of the book "Through By Daylight"

Title: Through By Daylight
Author: Oliver Optic
Published: 1869 and reprinted in 1998 by Mantle Ministries
Background Information: For more information and character descriptions, see the post entitled "Lake Shore Series--Oliver Optic" and the Through By Daylight Post Part 1. This is the first book in the series. The original title was called "The Young Engineer."

We left off in the first post with Waddie and his father angrily leaving Wolf's house.

After the Colonel and Waddie leave, Wolf's mother is somewhat upset with Wolf for insulting and making the Colonel angry. She is certain that it will result in the Colonel firing Mr. Penninman from his job. Wolf insists that he had to tell the truth. Wolf then leaves the house pondering the incident. As he thinks about the events of the day he also thinks about his past experiences with Waddie, and in the past, he has let Waddie bully him and taken it with a Christian spirit, however, he feels it is different this time, as Waddie and the Colonel are trying to make him out to be a criminal. After his walk he returns to the house and talks again with his mother. They discuss at length the possibility of losing the house if Christy Holgate isn't caught with the stolen money. They also discuss Wolf and how he should deal with Waddie, his mother advises him--"You must try to have a Christian spirit, Wolfert" (page 121).

Wolf then agrees that he will try to have a Christian spirit and would not hesitate to be kind to Waddie and his father, however, he makes the point that:

"But I don't think a fellow must be a milksop in order to be a Christian. I don't think the gospel requires me to be a toady, or even admit to injustice when I can help myself. I don't ask to be revenged, or anything of that sort; I only desire to keep my head out of the dirt. I am going to try to be a man, whatever happens to me" (page 122).

They discuss this and go on to talk about Wolf's father and how he had gone back to drinking that day. While they are still talking, Waddie bursts into the house and insists that Wolf must come right away to see his father.

Wolf eventually follows Waddie out, and on the way to the house, they are surrounded by about six of Waddie's tough schoolmates. Waddie then goes on to inform Wolf that before he goes to see his father he is going to give Wolf the "biggest licking" for calling him a liar. Waddie continues to challenge Wolf and and asks Wolf if he has anything to say for himself. Wolf considering his mother's wisdom says--"I was angry when I spoke the words, and I am sorry for uttering them" (page 126). Waddie then demands Wolf to "Get down on your knees and beg my pardon" (page 126). Wolf refuses to do that, causing Waddie to become irritated and more determined to get Wolf on his knees.

The story goes on at length about arguments with Waddie, how Wolf defends himself, the Colonel gets involved, and Waddie gets more irate etc. To summarize Wolf is basically chased out of town. :-) Soon after this, he sees Tommy Toppleton and they get into a discussion on the events of the day. They also discuss the problem with the "dummy engine." Wolf is able to help Tommy and the town of Middleport with the engine problem, and they successfully remove the engine from the lake. Tommy, his father the Major, and the town are all very excited and pleased with Wolf's assistance in the matter. The Major then offers Wolf the job of running the dummy engine--a significant offer for a boy of 16. :-) Wolf is interested but wants to discuss it with his parents first.

Wolf goes home and tells him mother about being driven out of town, removing the engine from the lake, and the job offer. His mother is a little uncertain about whether or not he should take the job as it will irritate the Colonel even more. His father then comes home, somewhat drunk, and irritated with Wolf for all the "trouble" he has been causing that day. Eventually Wolf's father is put to bed in Wolf's room. In the night, Waddie comes to cause some trouble, going where he thinks Wolf is sleeping. :-) Mr. Penninman is awakened, and reacting to what he thinks may be a burglar hits and hurts Waddie. This awakens Wolf and Mrs. Penninman and they get up to see what is going on. Waddie is angry etc. (and lisping...due to his teeth being "knocked in") the Pennimans get the doctor and eventually Waddie leaves...still angry (of course).
His father does get discharged (i.e. fired) from Colonel Wimpleton.

The next day...

Wolf and his father discuss the job opportunity offered by the Major Toppleton. His father is favorable and agrees to Wolf getting the job. Wolf goes to tell the Major, while Wolf is there, he finds out the Colonel has hired the Major's engineer to "his side" because the Major offered Wolf a job. Wolf helps solve this problem by suggesting that his father take the job opening. The Major is thrilled with this idea, and the opportunity to get back at the Colonel. Wolf and his father both now have jobs from the Major. Mr. Penninman is glad to have the opportunity and states that--"The colonel will be the maddest man this side of the north pole, when he hears of my good fortune" (page 211). Wolf also makes the point that "When rich men quarrel, poor men ought to profit by it, if they can do so honestly" (page 211).

Later...

Wolf is now getting ready to start on the dummy engine and has a "sick" student with him, named Higgins. Higgins and Wolf converse with each other and we learn Higgins is faking sickness to get out of school, conveniently, he is "well" enough to help be a conductor to the engine. Wolf by the end of the conversation convinces Higgins to not pretend to be sick to get out of school. :-) Wolf at one point asks Higgins if he has a watch, Wolf is determined to be punctual with his running of the engine. Since Wolf's family isn't rich, he is not able to have his own pocket watch (this may sound strange to modern day readers, keep in mind this series was written almost 140 years ago!) Higgins offers to let Wolf borrow his watch for the day.

Wolf and Higgins are now ready to collect the passengers and Wolf has Higgins call everyone aboard. Wolf describes his shouting "as though the announcement was intended for the people on the other side of the lake" (p.220) Wolf tells Higgens--"I wouldn't yell so. Boys always make fools of themselves by hallooing when there isn't the least need of it" (p.220).
Higgins then calls the passengers aboard in "a milder tone." :-)

As the passengers are boarding, Wolf spots "a very beautiful young lady." He is soon happy to see that she is going to be a passenger on the engine. Wolf describes the young lady and then says about himself to his readers--"I beg leave to say that this unwonted enthusiasm on my part was as surprising to myself as it will be to my readers, for I had hardly ever looked at any person of the feminine persuasion before, except my mother and sisters. I had certainly never seen any lady who attracted me so strongly..." (p.221). We go on to learn that the young lady is about 15 or 16 and has a "mature bearing." We also learn this young lady is Grace Toppleton, daughter of the Major and sister to Tommy.

Wolf also offers this comment to his readers--"A young man always has a time to be a fool, just as he has to take the measles, though, he seldom has it so young as I did" (p.222).

Miss Grace Toppleton delights Wolf by asking him if she can ride in the engine area with him and Higgins. Wolf is happy to comply. :-) However, before they get started, Captain Snyder, a policeman, comes with Colonel Wimpleton to delay Wolf. They basically want to arrest Wolf for the explosion of the Skipper's boat. Wolf asks if they have a warrant, which they don't. He also makes the point that Waddie will also have to be arrested for the explosion, and breaking into his father's house. The Colonel, obviously not wanting his son involved, leaves with Captain Snyder. (the Colonel also learns at this time that Mr. Penninman is employed by the Major) The Colonel is not a happy man at this point in the story. :-)

Everyone is now aboard and they continue on their way. Wolf is able to explain the working of the engine to Grace. Despite the delays everyone arrives on time.

The next few chapters go into more detail about the railroad, conversations Wolf has with the Major, the students in Middleport, and how the students of Centereport cause trouble. Despite hindrances, Wolf impresses the Toppletons and the town with his ability to run the engine and overcome problems.

Later the students at the school in Middleport have a picnic, and Wolf is given the present of a pocket watch for his service. It is presented by Grace Toppleton and Wolf, who is surprised and nervous, has to give a speech on the spot, this is what he says (in thanking them for the watch)--

"Miss Grace Toppleton, I am very much obliged to the students of the Toppleton Institute for this beautiful gift. A gold watch is something I never expected to have. I didn't think of anything of this kind when I came in here, and for that reason I was very much surprised. I shall always keep this watch, and, whenever I look at its face, it will remind me of the generous fellows who gave it to me (Wolf gets interrupted here from shouts and applause he then continues...) I shall endeavor, with the help of this watch, always to be on time; and I hope I shall be able to do my duty to the officers and to the liberal patron of the Lake Shore Railroad. (he goes on a little more and closes with...) "I shall never look at the face of this watch without thinking of another face--the face of the one who so prettily presented it" (pp.278-279)

The students love his speech and the day almost ends perfectly. When Wolf returns home however, (after showing his watch to the family--who all love it :-) ) Captain Snyder comes and informs them that unless the mortgage is paid, the house will be foreclosed. Since Christy Holgate still has not been heard from, the Penninmans don't have the money to pay the mortgage and the house will be put up at auction. (the proceeds will go to Mr. Penninman)

They are forced to move, and live in, what Wolf calls, a "hovel." By the time the auction comes, Mr. Penninman decided he would go too. (Wolf also attends the auction) Major Toppleton also grilled Wolf on the story behind the sale of the house and surprises everyone by attending the auction as well. The auction starts off with Colonel Wimpleton and another person "bidding" on the house, they do ridiculously small amounts, designed to humiliate the Penninmans and amuse the townsfolk. Major Toppleton steps in, surprising everyone, and also begins bidding. This naturally enrages the Colonel and the house ends up selling for more than it's worth! (the Colonel was the final bidder...and not happy about the whole thing)

Mr. Penniman collects the money, moves to Middleport, and is able to rent a lovely house.

The story ends in a pleasant way and more about the characters will continue in book 2 called "Duty Bound." I will hopefully be reviewing that sometime next week.

On another note...the term "Through by daylight" is used several times in the book, resulting in the title of the book. It refers to Wolf's ability to get things done...the same day, in other words, before daylight.

I hoped you enjoyed the summary, the book itself has about 300 pages, so it is hard to do it perfect justice. :-) I highly recommend you read the series if you ever stumble into it. :-)

Have a great day!!

Through By Daylight--Oliver Optic Part 1

Hello! Since the Lake Shore series has six books, I will be taking my time with reviewing them. There will be several parts for each book, so that you can get a better idea of the books and the characters in them. This post will have some descriptions of the characters and part of a summary.

Title: Through By Daylight

Author: Oliver Optic

Published: 1869 and reprinted in 1998 by Mantle Ministries

Background Information: For more information see the post entitled "Lake Shore Series--Oliver Optic" This is the first book in the series. The original title was called "The Young Engineer."

"Through By Daylight" characters:

Wolfert Penniman referred to as Wolf. (Wolf's father insisted on the name Wolfert after being inspired by Washington Irving. Wolf's mother in vain tried to convince him to change it knowing that his nickname would inevitably become "Wolf." :-) ) He is the main character/hero of the series, he also is the one "writing" the books (narrating). He is very mechanically minded and knows how to run trains and boats and maybe some other things. He is 16 years old when this story takes place. He is a recent graduate, and especially enjoyed philosophy and chemistry. Although, Wolf's parents play a significant role in the books, they aren't getting their own character summaries. :-)

Colonel Wimpleton is sort of "in charge" of the town of Centreport, he has a spoiled son named Waddie.

Waddie Wimpleton is a demanding young man and a bully. He frequently tries to get Wolf into trouble and never takes responsibility for his own actions. His father always bails him out and cannot see any of his sons errors and is convinced it is always someone else's fault. :-)

Major Toppleton is sort of in charge of the neighboring town of Centerport, his town is referred to as Middleport. He has a son named Tommy.

Tommy Toppleton is not quite so bad as Waddie Wimpleton, but he does have his faults--these will be revealed as the series progresses. :-) He also has a sister named Grace (who Wolf admires :-)).

Christy Hogate is one of the villains in the story.

Background on the two towns: There is an ongoing feud between the towns of Middleport and Centreport. This started about 20 years prior to the beginning of this story, it has something to do with the Colonel and Major disagreeing with building a school. As a result, they both parted, and started their own schools. The two towns now constantly try to out do each other.

Now for the story itself...

The story begins with Waddie Wimpleton causing trouble. He is insulting the daughter of a skipper of a canal boat. The skipper/father is angry with Waddie and sort of "shakes him up," this angers Waddie and he stomps off, irate, and plotting some sort of revenge. From a short distance, Wolf sees all of this take place.

The next day, Wolf sees Waddie near the skippers boat (Waddie is also "practicing" with his revolver. Wolf informs us in the story that Waddie is a horrible shot :-) ). Waddie spots Wolf and calls him over to pull some sort of string. Wolf is suspects Waddie is up to something and refuses to pull the string. Irritated, Waddie pulls it himself. An explosion then occurs and the skipper's boat is destroyed! Waddie accuses Wolf of destroying the boat, Wolf denies the whole thing, after all, Waddie rigged the whole thing himself and pulled the string! (Wolf also takes away Waddie's revolver at one point, he is afraid that Waddie will hurt him with it) Wolf leaves convinced that no one will believe Waddie's ridiculous claim about him being responsible for blowing up the boat.

Wolf finds his father and they have a discussion of what just took place. Christy Holgate, an engineer and friend of Wolf's father is also involved in the discussion. Wolf's father then expresses relief that all this has happened today and not later. This then brings up a new topic of interest, Mr. Penninman tell Christy and Wolf that he just withdrew the money to pay for his mortgage on his house. He is glad to be able to finally pay this off and has been working for awhile to pay Colonel Wimpleton back. (he has the $2,000 with him)

Christy realizing that he has all this money is on Mr. Penninman, proceeds to talk about some alcohol he has. Wolf says that; "One would have supposed, from the eloquent description of its virtues, that it was the nectar of the gods, instead of the fiery fluid which men put into their mouths to take their brains away" (pg. 42-43).

Wolf is disgusted with this. However, his father, who has struggled with alcohol, is tempted by it. His father had been doing well in recent years, but after the enticing description Christy gave of it, he decides to "take one drink." Mr. Penniman gives Wolf a dollar and basically asks him to go away. Wolf does so reluctantly. When returning he finds his father somewhat drunk. His father suddenly realizes that his wallet is gone! He immediately suspects Christy of having on purposely try to get him drunk so he could steal the money. Christy denies it and goes running off. Wolf chases him, and finally he catches up to him. Wolf remembers that he has Waddie's gun and uses it to threaten Christy with it. Wolf after some argument, gets the wallet back and Christy runs off into the woods. Wolf is pleased with the recovery of the wallet, and returns to his father.

By this time a large crowd has gathered and have heard the entire story, Wolf is asked to explain what happened. However, when his father finally looks at the wallet, he realizes Christy took out the money and just gave Wolf the empty wallet. His father is devastated.

After awhile Wolf goes home to tell his mother what has happened. Before he gets home though, he sees that the town of Middleport has had some trouble with their "dummy engine" falling into the lake. (Don't ask what a dummy engine is, it's rather complicated. :-) It has something to do with trains etc. in the 1800s.) Wolf feels bad for the Middleport people, even though they are Toppletons. He has a brief discussion with Tommy Toppleton about how he could solve the problem of getting the engine out of the lake, however, he doesn't have time to explain, since he is trying to get home.

Wolf returns home and finds his mother upset. She tells him that everyone has been telling "awful stories" about him. Waddie had been telling everyone that he was responsible for the explosion of the skippers boat! Wolf denies it, and explains what actually happened to his mother, and she believes him. Wolf then goes on to tell her about Christy, the wallet, the chase, and about his father going back to alcohol. His mother is upset, but mostly upset about the news of her husband returning to drinking.

Soon after this, Waddie and his father come to the house. Colonel Wimpleton, is upset with Wolf for causing all the trouble with the boat. Wolf denies his involvement, which makes Waddie angry. Waddie is upset with the fact that Wolf is basically calling him a liar. (Wolf also tries to return the revolver to Waddie at this time, however, Waddie is difficult and refuses to take it back). The Colonel, suspecting their is some truth to what Wolf is saying, is willing to pay for the damages to the boat, but does not want everyone to think Waddie has done it. Wolf still refuses to take the blame, causing the Colonel and Waddie to angrily leave the house.

To hear the rest of the story...join me in part 2 of "Through By Daylight."

Have a great day!

Lake Shore Series--Oliver Optic

Hello! Instead of reviewing a book today, I am going to start by giving some background on a series of books I will be reviewing soon. I purchased this series of books from eBay last year.

The Lake Shore Series by Oliver Optic was originally published in 1869.
Mantle Ministries re-published them in 1998.

Oliver Optic was a pen name for William Taylor Adams. He was born in 1822, and before writing he was a school teacher. He also published a magazine called "Oliver Optic's Magazine for Boys and Girls." Quoting from the "About the Author" section in his book "Through By Daylight" it says about his books:

"By the time of his death in 1897, at the age of 75, he had written more than 1,000 short stories and more than 115 novels, the majority of which portray youthful heroes and heroines of noble, self-sacrificing, courageous and moral character, challenged by adverse circumstances. Each adventure weaves the thread of Biblical principles throughout the stirring plots with inspirational design."

The Lake Shore Series contains six books. They are stories about a boy/young man named Wolf Penniman. In the series he is involved with trying to do some "peace making" between these two feuding towns. Filled with adventure and humor they are a great series for guys and girls. :-) If you aren't used to reading books from the 1800s the way the books are written may be a little hard to get used to, but definitely worth the effort!

The Three Weavers--Annie Fellows

Hello all! The next book I will be reviewing is a Lamplighter book. For those of you unfamiliar with the Lamplighter company, it is a company that reprints old Christian books (mostly fiction). They edit them somewhat, revise them with lovely hardback covers, and keep the general "old fashioned" flavor to the books. The books they reprint are usually from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. I have several of their books, and you can expect a lot of reviews on them in the next few weeks and months. :-) Anyway...onward to the book itself!

Title: The Three Weavers: A Tale for Fathers and Daughters

Author: Annie Fellows

Published: Original date unknown, reprinted in 2001. I believe another edition of this book has been printed which is illustrated and designed for children.

Background Information: Annie Fellows is also the author of another Lamplighter book called "Joel: A Boy of Galilee."
This small book contains just under 60 pages and can be read very quickly. It is written in a way for younger girls/children, however, the story is good for all ages.
A great book for the whole family--especially for fathers and daughters! I bought this book awhile ago, and I just re-read it today so I could review it. :-)

"The Three Weavers: A Tale for Fathers and Daughters" is about, as you may have guessed, three weavers. :-) It is written in a classic sort of fairy tale way. The three weavers all live near each other, and equal blessings happen to each of them: they all have a daughter, born on the same day! However, even though their situations are very similar for each weaver, the individual weaver (father) has a different way of weaving their merchandise and in the way they raise their daughters. On the day of their daughters birth, "Clotho, the weaver of weavers" gives each child/father a gift--a tiny loom. The fathers are informed that their daughters will wed a royal prince. However, the girls, in order to wed their royal princes, must be worthy of them! They are to each make a mantle that is fit for their prince. The looms are also special in the way they are created. Every year that passes, the loom "grows" to fit the size of the daughter. Each father realizes he is imparted with the responsibility to help his daughter become ready for her prince. So...now the interesting part of the story begins.

The first father/weaver--he considers the loom to be something of a toy. He allows his daughter to play with it and "weave her fancies and dreams on her own." As the story progresses, his daughter will see a young man and think, "maybe this is my prince!" and she will make a mantle for him. The father, rather than correcting his daughter, allows her dreams and even encourages/teases her about other young men, saying..."maybe this is your prince." As a result, she gives a lot of mantles to many young men, and by the time her prince comes, she has given all of her cloth away and only has a small piece left to give to her prince. The prince sees the small garment and that it cannot fit him. He rides off, leaving a distraught father and daughter.

The second father/weaver--he worries about the loom, and he is afraid his daughter will use it unwisely and plans on not telling her about it until she is grown. So he hides it away. In the story, the first daughter tells the other two daughters about her loom. These other two daughters are quite surprised, as their fathers have not told them about such a loom and the prince they are to wed. This second daughter asks her father about it. The father, rather than telling her about the loom, dismisses it, and tells her to ask him about it when she is "a woman full grown." This second daughter is upset, and tells the other two daughters. The first daughter then helps her to find her loom. After finding it, this second daughter begins weaving in secret, disobeying her father. She soon sees a young man and thinks that maybe this is her prince. So she makes a mantle for this young man she believes to be her prince. When the true prince comes, the father is shocked and angry to learn what his daughter has done. He sees the young man his daughter thought was "the one" and takes the mantle off of him and tries to get the prince to wear it. However, this mantle was made in the daughter's youth and for another boy. The prince sees the mantle was not meant for him and rides off...leaving a distraught father and daughter behind.

The third father/weaver--he takes a similar approach to the second father. He does not tell his daughter about the loom, but he works with his daughter to help her learn the duties fit for a princess. When his daughter confronts him about the loom, he tells her about it. He explains to her the importance of the loom and making the right mantle for her prince and not allowing her temporary passions to get in the way. He shows his daughter a yardstick that they will use to measure the mantle for her prince. As he goes on to explain the importance of waiting for her prince, his daughter is sobered by it, and she promises to wait. As the story goes on, occasionally a knight comes by, and the daughter asks her father..."is this the one?" He tells her no and explains why. By the end of the story, the true prince comes, and the daughter is able to give him the mantle which she has worked on. It fits him perfectly! She is able, with the blessing of her father, to ride off with her prince.

The books ends with this verse: Proverbs 31: 30 "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."

This is a sobering allegory of the responsibilities of fathers helping their daughters waiting for the right prince. I hope you enjoyed the summary, I know it was long! :-) If you ever run into a copy of it, I recommend you read it. It would be a great gift for a father and/or a daughter! :-)

Before You Meet Prince Charming--Sarah Mally

Hello! Here is my first book review...hope you enjoy it!

Title: Before You Meet Prince Charming

Author: Sarah Mally

Published: 2006

Background on the Author: Sarah Mally is a young lady in her 20s. She has been involved with starting a program called Bright Lights for girls and co-authored a book with her siblings called "Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends." I've read both books and highly recommend them!

"Before You Meet Prince Charming" is a book geared to girls, especially younger ones, however, the book is excellent for girls of all ages! If you think about marriage, boys, courtship, dating, and are a girl, I highly recommend you read this book! The book emphasizes guarding your heart, preparing for marriage, delighting in the Lord, the importance of courtship and the dangers of dating, waiting for the right one, how parents can help, and more!

Each chapter begins with the story about a princess who is waiting for her prince and the struggles she goes through while waiting for him (there is also a sneaky alligator in there trying to deceive the princess). There are great illustrations and humor throughout the entire book as well. After the section on the princess, the chapter begins and talks about some of the stuff that the princess and we single girls all deal with.

I read this book for the first time several months ago, and it was a good reminder on the importance of preparing for marriage and not just dreaming about it. :-)

What is your favorite Christian book and why?

Hi! This is my first blog post, and rather than starting off by reviewing a book, I will start off with a question.

Other than the Bible, what is one of your favorite Christian books, and why? It can be fiction, non-fiction, historical, biographies, etc.